Sydney Hobart: A Look Back

31 December 2017

Sydney Hobart: A Look Back:

The 73rd edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart demonstrated once again why this offshore race has such elevated standing in the yacht racing and, indeed, sporting world. 102 yachts took part, each with their own personal ambition. For the vast majority, winning overall was the ultimate goal. Only one boat can claim the main prize. It takes planning, commitment and skill to succeed in the pursuit of excellence.

Matt Allen and the crew of Ichi Ban delivered those characteristics and were justly rewarded with the Tattersall Cup and Rolex timepiece. For the other competing crews, their triumph was to start the race at all. Completing the course was the icing on the cake.

Could the 628-nautical-mile race be won in a day? Here is an analysis from ABC.net.au.

When Perpetual Loyal smashed the Sydney to Hobart line honours record by more than four hours in 2016, it was felt the new mark would stand for years, if not decades. But the very next race, in 2017, Comanche gouged a similar chunk out of the record. So, in the space of a year the winning time has been lowered by a whopping nine hours. But as in previous races, the supermaxis had a painfully slow trip up the River Derwent to the finish line. Which begs the quest…